Sean “Diddy” Combs has pledged $1 million to his alma mater, Howard University, to establish the Sean Combs Scholarship Fund. The Bad Boy boss made the announcement of the gift on Thursday night (Sept. 22) during a Washington, D.C. stop on the Bad Boy Family reunion tour. According to WUSA 9, Combs presented the giant check to Howard president Dr. Wayne Frederick on stage at the Verizon Center as part of the first donation to the Fund.
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“One of the biggest blessings is getting the chance to one day be able to give back,” Combs said. “And to support the people that supported you… If I didn’t get some help, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.” The rap impresario attended Howard for two years in the 1990s, but left before graduating; he received an honorary doctorate from the school in 2014.
During the Washington, D.C. stop on the #BADBOYFamilyReunionTour, @iamdiddy announced a $1 million donation to his alma mater @HowardU!! —— pic.twitter.com/AeRLLL1SDl
— REVOLT TV (@RevoltTV) September 23, 2016
“I didn’t graduate from Howard. I was blessed to get my honorary degree but that doesn’t tell the whole story,” he said. “Because the only reason why I was able to chase my dreams was the empowerment that Howard gave me, the support that they gave me, the first two years.” Combs repeatedly referred to the school as “home” during the presentation, saying that the first day he stepped on campus it was “like heaven. You know heaven… I mean, that’s the best way, it’s so much love. It’s an indescribable place, you have to see it.”
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Frederick, who called the new scholarships “life-altering,” agreed, echoing, “It’s heaven… Plus one million.” The university will start awarding the scholarships in the fall of 2017 to undergrads pursuing a business degree who maintain a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a financial need. Recipients will also be assigned a mentor from Combs Enterprises and spend a summer interning with Bad Boy Entertainment or Combs’ Revolt Media & TV network.
The Pen is Mightier than the sword!!! use your #POWER 2 #EMPOWER & BUILD AN #EMPIRE OF #warriors thk U @iamdiddy —- pic.twitter.com/vQGH1dNQFU
— Ericka Pittman (@ErickaMPittman) September 23, 2016
Last month, Combs embarked on another educational venture when he opened the Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School in his home borough.